DAY 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
![Arrive in Rio de Janeiro]()
Olá and welcome to the capital city of Brazil! The tour officially kicks off this afternoon when you meet your tour leader in the hotel lobby in Rio around 18:00. Tonight we’ve booked a table for the group at a local restaurant for a festive welcome dinner. Brazilian barbecue is on the menu!
Experiences
Welcome Dinner. Welcome Dinner: Eat local on your first night in Rio de Janeiro! For the Brazilians, mealtime is a family event. Your welcome dinner involves a traditional Brazilian barbecue at a local Churrascaria restaurant. As the name states in Portuguese, churrasco involves meat roasted over charcoal, served with a side of grilled vegetables, garnishes, salads and a variety of traditional desserts. In combination with the warm-hearted culture of the locals, it makes for an unforgettable experience.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Mirador
DAY 2: Rio de Janeiro City Tour
![Rio de Janeiro City Tour]()
Set out on a full-day tour of bustling Rio with a local guide this morning after breakfast. The city is a major tourist attraction for a reason - it's scenic and historically mind-blowing at the same time. Board the coach and disembark at the heart of Rio to explore on foot. See the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado, the Santa Teresa neighbourhood, and the famous Escadaria Selaron staircase. Grab lunch on the go. Head into town for some nightlife tonight, or unwind at leisure.
Experiences
Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer Statue entry and visit. Visit the most iconic monument of Rio and Brazil - the statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor). Designed by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, the 125 ft/38m tall Christ the Redeemer statue offers the most breathtaking views from where it stands on top of mount Corcovado, overlooking the city below. Brazil is a religiously diverse nation and considers the arms-open-wide gesture of the statue as one of welcoming and peace.
Visit the neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa & Rio de Janeiro’s tiled staircase. See a different and more quiet side of the cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city), as you meander the streets of hillside neighbourhood, Santa Teresa, and the downtown neighborhood of Lapa. Santa Teresa is a quiet, bohemian area with winding streets, colourful colonial houses, a charming yellow tram and a village-like spirit. Also see the connection between the two neighbourhoods: the 125-step Selarón staircase (Escadaria Selarón) made with colourful mosaic tiles and mirrors.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Mirador
DAY 3: Rio de Janeiro: Free Day
![Rio de Janeiro: Free Day]()
Options abound today. Enjoy a lie-in and explore Rio at your own pace. Alternatively, join in on the optional Rio Plus tour to explore more of the city. Sugarloaf mountain offers some of the most impressive views of Rio. Take the modern cable car all the way to the top, led by a local expert. Drink in sweeping views of the city, the Christ the Redeemer statue and surrounding beaches. Then explore downtown Rio and its major cultural and colonial sights. See the Museum of Tomorrow, the Sao Bento Monastery, Kobra Mural and La Candelaria on the go. Tonight is yours to enjoy however you please.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Mirador
Optional Excursions
- Rio Plus Optional Day Trip i US$85
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 4: Rio de Janeiro - Paraty
![Rio de Janeiro - Paraty]()
Leaving Rio behind, head down the Costa Verde of Brazil in the direction of the pretty town of Paraty. In the morning sun, capture views of the Atlantic ocean and miles-deep jungle. Disembark in Paraty, check into your hotel and set out to follow a local guide for a brief orientation tour along cobbled streets flanked by 17th-century colonial houses. Spend this evening at leisure, or join in on an optional outing to a local eatery.
Experiences
Paraty walking tour. Follow a local guide around Paraty and discover why Paraty was so affluent during the gold, coffee and cachaça periods. This gorgeous colonial town is situated in the perfect spot for spectacular views of the surrounding Atlantic ocean and jungle. The historic centre, a UNESCO heritage site, boasts beautifully preserved architecture, cobblestone roads and churches. Cars were banned from the historic core, so you can expect quiet surroundings with welcoming locals.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Pousada do Principe
DAY 5: Paraty: Free Day
![Paraty: Free Day]()
Free day in pretty Paraty! Explore the gorgeous scenery that surrounds the town. The Serra da Bocaina National Park is wonderfully scenic. Think valleys, mountains, beaches, waterfalls and more! Opt in on a Passeio de Escuna boat tour to explore the Atlantic coast, or an optional 4x4 Jeep tour if you wish. Alternatively, wander the town and seek out historical attractions. Options abound!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Pousada do Principe
Optional Excursions
- 4x4 Jeep Tour i US$35
- Passeio de Escuna Boat Tour i US$30
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 6: Paraty - São Paulo
![Paraty - São Paulo]()
Grab breakfast and board the coach to the mega city of São Paulo - Brazil's most populous city and buzzing financial hub! Upon arrival, immediately set out on a guided tour of the city. Tick off a few must-see attractions on the go. This includes the famous Mercadão (an expansive food market). Make your way to our accommodation with the group after the tour. Dinner at the hotel is an option, or you can head out to rustle up some local fare.
Experiences
São Paulo City Tour and visit to the Mercadão. São Paulo is quite simply enormous. It’s the biggest city in Latin America and the Southern hemisphere to be exact. Upon arrival, set out with a local expert to find out more about the history and economy of the city and see the points of interest. Then stop at the Mercadão, a famous food market, for lunch. This municipal market is the perfect spot if you want to see and taste all kinds of South American foods - from north to south. Look out for the famous Mortadella sandwich, codfish and prawn pastries, and cashew fruit.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Sleep Inn Guarulhos
DAY 7: São Paulo - flight to Foz do Iguaçu - Iguassu Falls Brazilian side
![São Paulo - flight to Foz do Iguaçu - Iguassu Falls Brazilian side]()
Leave São Paulo behind and board a flight to Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. We're headed for some of the most epic waterfall systems in the world! Situated between Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina, in the Iguaçu National Park, these falls will quite literally take your breath away. Explore the park along many pathways (entry included). Head back to the hotel after the tour and sit down to a gorgeous Brazilian barbecue dinner.
Experiences
Visit the Iguaçu Falls in Iguaçu National Park. Foz do Iguaçu is located on the triple borders or Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. Depending on the rainfall, there can be between 150 en 300 waterfalls at the time of your visit. This experience gives you a chance to enter the national park and explore to your heart’s content. Iguaçu Falls is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience. Entry included.
Brazilian barbecue dinner: Eat local on your first night in Iguazu! Your dinner this evening involves a traditional Brazilian barbecue at a local Churrascaria restaurant. The experience involves different types of meat roasted over charcoal, served with all you can eat sides of vegetable, salad and traditional desserts.
Local Brazilian Dining Experience. On Day 9, enjoy a jolly night out as you sit down for a traditional Brazilian meal at a family home with home-made Brazilian food, unlimited caipirinhas (Brazil’s national cocktail) and beer. (took off contentful)
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Viale Tower
DAY 8: Iguassu Falls - Paraguay optional excursion: Free Day
![Iguassu Falls - Paraguay optional excursion: Free Day]()
Free day! Stick around in Foz do Iguaçu to explore at your own pace. Or perhaps you'd like to opt in on a helicopter ride over the falls, or visit the spectacular Parque das Aves bird park. Another option is to add one more country to your tour lineup... Join a local guide on a daytrip to Paraguay across the Paraná River. Explore the city of Ciudad del Este, visit Itaipú Dam and see the Monday Waterfall (Saltos del Monday). Head back to Brazil in the late afternoon to join back up with the rest of the group. This evening there is a Rafain dinner & show on the cards if you’re keen!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Viale Tower
Optional Excursions
- Paraguay Day Trip (with local guide) i US$90
- Rafain Dinner and Show i US$75
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 9: Iguassu Falls - Iguassu Falls Argentine Side: Free Day
![Iguassu Falls - Iguassu Falls Argentine Side: Free Day]()
Take another day to explore the gorgeous Iguaçu Falls area! Opt in on a guided tour of the Argentinian side of the falls. Here you can walk right up close to the water on specially tailored walkways. Take a ride on a gas-powered train through the forest. You also have the option of hopping on a Great Adventure boat tour that takes you to the foot of the magnificent San Martin waterfall. Back in Foz do Iguacu this evening, take some time to unwind, or opt in on a tasty Brazilian dinner.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Viale Tower
Optional Excursions
- Argentina Falls Day Trip i US$70
- Argentina Falls Day Trip + Great Adventure Boat Tour i US$100
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 10: Iguassu Falls - flight to Buenos Aires
![Iguassu Falls - flight to Buenos Aires]()
Wave the falls goodbye as we head to Buenos Aires via Puerto Iguazu airport. There’s no lunch stop included today, so be sure to stock up on snacks at the airport. Get transferred to the hotel on arrival, midafternoon. Today is the first of three days in Buenos Aires, so start exploring, or take it easy to rest up for tomorrow. Enjoy an included dinner near the hotel with the group this evening.
Experiences
Buenos Aires Dinner. Enjoy your first meal in Argentina! The cuisine here has been heavily influenced by waves of European migration over the last century and often includes dishes with Spanish, Italian and German roots. Grilled meats, pastas, empanadas and sweet desserts are widely offered. How about a glass of Argentinian wine to complement your first meal in the country?
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Imperial Park HotelDAY 11: Buenos Aires City Tour
![Buenos Aires City Tour]()
Ready, set, let's go explore the Argentinian capital! Grab breakfast and join in on the Buenos Aires City Tour with a local guide to discover the city’s major sights and neighbourhoods. Tick off must-see destinations like the Buenos Aires Obelisk and Avenida 9 de Julio. Not to mention colourful La Boca, Plaza de Mayo and Recoleta cemetery. Find lunch from a local vendor or eatery; this evening you can opt in for dinner and a tango show.
Experiences
Buenos Aires City Tour. Buenos Aires is a city with the vibrancy of New York and the spirit of Paris at the pace of Latin America. This full-day tour will take you through the city’s best-known streets, show you the most popular sights and give you a taste of the real Buenos Aires. Iconic sights covered on tour include Avenida 9 de Julio (9 July Avenue), Plaza de Mayo, the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, the La Boca and San Telmo Neighbourhoods, and the famous Recoleta cemetery.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Imperial Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Tango Show & Dinner i US$65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 12: Buenos Aires: Free Day
![Buenos Aires: Free Day]()
Follow your nose today - there are many options on offer in Buenos Aires. Roam around the city, go for a tango lesson, or look for street art and graffiti. There’s also San Telmo flea market, and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. You can choose a day trip to visit a classic guest ranch (estancia) located in the untamed countryside of Buenos Aires. A visit to this local ranch will give you a chance to experience the unique Estancia culture, taste the excellent food they cook here and see local folk dances. Head back to the hotel afterward and freshen up for a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Imperial Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Ranch and Gaucho Day Trip i US$105
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 13: Buenos Aires - flight to Mendoza
![Buenos Aires - flight to Mendoza]()
Wave Buenos Aires goodbye as we set out for the city of Mendoza at the foot of the Andes Mountains.Disembark in the heart of Argentine wine country. An afternoon tour of the local wineries introduces you to the unique culture of the region. Plus, there is scenery to die for with the Andes Mountains all lined up! Opt in on dinner at a plaza this evening if you wish. Drink in the laid-back ambience and sample a few local vintages - the Malbec comes highly recommended!
Experiences
Mendoza wine tour. Even though Mendoza is technically located in the desert, locals have created smart irrigation canals to capture water from the mountains. These days it's a real oasis with the ideal climate and topography for wine production. The region has been named the ‘Bordeaux of South America’ and so it is. Expect to taste anything from signature, award-winning Malbec to Cabernet Sauvignon and even simple foot-pressed wine (vino patero). This tour will take you around the best vineyards in the valley to enjoy ravishing views of the Andes mountains, vineyards and villages - a quintessential Mendoza experience.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Crillon
DAY 14: Mendoza - Santiago
![Mendoza - Santiago]()
Head towards Santiago from Mendoza today. Get ready for a long, yet wonderfully scenic trip. The road takes us over the Andes mountains and past the highest mountain in South America (and the Western hemisphere), Aconcagua. Stop for breaks and breathtaking views in the mountains en route. Cross the border and arrive in Santiago, the capital of Chile, in the late afternoon. Relax, unwind and join the group for an included dinner.
Experiences
‘Alta Montana’ Experience. The Andes Mountains extend over seven countries in South America! This includes Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. We take an incredible high-mountain journey as we travel from Argentina into Chile through the Andes. This is your chance to catch views of the incredible Aconcagua mountain - the tallest in South America.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Providencia Panamericana
DAY 15: Santiago City Tour
![Santiago City Tour]()
Get a fresh and early start - today we're exploring Santiago alongside a passionate local guide. This Chilean city is filled with things to see and do. Encounter the famous Alameda main avenue, Plaza de Armas, Santiago Cathedral and the Central Market. Not to mention the Bellavista district and San Cristobal Hill. Wrap up the tour around lunchtime and decide how you want to spend your afternoon. Join back up with the group for an optional dinner at a local eatery this evening.
Experiences
Santiago City Tour. Set off on foot for a tour of Chile’s vibrant capital city! Your local guide will show you Santiago’s highlights and share the city’s rich history with you. See Santiago’s downtown area, visit Saint Lucia Hill and traditional neighbourhoods around the city centre. Stop by top attractions including the busy Plaza de Armas, the Santiago Cathedral, and the La Moneda Palace. The views alone would be enough to keep you captivated for hours with the Andes Mountains providing an incredible background to the city.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Providencia Panamericana-
DAY 16: Santiago: Free Day
![Santiago: Free Day]()
Free day in Santiago everyone! Make your way to one of the numerous wineries, restaurants or cultural attractions nearby. Keen on an organised outing? Join in a day trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Depart after breakfast and travel to the spellbinding Pacific coast of Chile. Stop over in the colourful UNESCO-credited coastal city of Valparaiso. Then move on the sparkling seaside resort city of Viña del Mar before heading back. Dinner is yours to enjoy as you wish - head out into town and find an eatery that buzzes with ambience.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Providencia Panamericana-
Optional Excursions
- Valparaiso and Viña del Mar Day Trip i US$65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 17: Santiago - Flight to Calama - San Pedro de Atacama
![Santiago - Flight to Calama - San Pedro de Atacama]()
Off into the dessert we go for a brand-new experience. Hop on a flight from Santiago Airport after breakfast and make your way to the mining city of Calama in northern Chile. Upon arrival, continue onward to San Pedro de Atacama via coach. Watch other-wordly landscapes roll by. Take an orientation tour to get the lay of the land. Grab lunch on the go and check into the hotel before making your way to Moon Valley with the group. Take the evening to enjoy as you please. Find dinner on your own, or head out with the group. There is also an optional star-gazing outing on the cards for lovers of the night sky.
Experiences
Moon Valley afternoon and sunset visit. Pay a visit to the El Valle De La Luna (Moon Valley) just outside San Pedro de Atacama. From here you can appreciate the incredible views of this region and see the sun set like never before. Elevated 2,250 metres above sea level, the valley contains the Salt mountain range, deep valleys, salt caves and a variety of rock and stone formations. The scenes you’ll lay eyes on here closely resemble the surface of the moon - which explains the romantic name.
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 18: San Pedro de Atacama - Bolivian Desert
![San Pedro de Atacama - Bolivian Desert]()
Hop an early morning coach ride to the Bolivian border and enjoy a packed breakfast along the way. For the next three days we will be exploring on 4x4 trucks. Gaze in wonderment at the natural beauty of Bolivia. Traverse the desert and learn more about the fascinating landscape. There may even be an opportunity to bathe in the famous Polques hot springs so bring your swimsuit! Head to your homestay with locals this evening. Enjoy their beautiful hospitality and take the time to learn more about their lifestyle in these isolated communities.*
*Please note that this area is remote and there are limited accommodation options. Tonight's homestay will comprise of basic, multi-share rooms with limited amenities and hot water. As such, it will differ from the hotel standards you'll enjoy throughout the rest of this trip.
Experiences
Eduardo Avaroa National Park. Drive through Eduardo Avaroa National Park on a 4X4 tour in the southwestern region of Bolivia. It’s a true natural paradise with jewelled lakes, a high-altitude desert and wildlife. The trip includes stops at the Laguna Verde, Laguna Colorada (The Coloured Lagoons), the Siloli desert and the famous Stone Tree.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
La Magia de San Juan
DAY 19: Bolivian Desert
![Bolivian Desert]()
Fuel up on breakfast and board the 4x4 trucks onward through the striking landscape of southern Bolivia. Today, we’ll visit Laguna Hedionda, famous for the resident flamingo population as well as Laguna Canapa and Laguna Honda. Later in the day, after a picnic lunch, we’ll catch a glimpse of Ollague Volcano, which provides a fantastic backdrop against the rugged landscapes of the desert. We'll also travel to the Uyuni Train Cemetery - an area with abandoned trains from the early 20th century after the local mining economy collapsed. Head to yet another welcoming homestay* with a local family on our final night in the desert.
*Please note that this area is remote and there are limited accommodation options. Tonight's homestay will comprise of basic, multi-share rooms with limited amenities and hot water. As such, it will differ from the hotel standards you'll enjoy throughout the rest of this trip.
Experiences
Visit the Laguna Hedionda and see the Ollague Volcano. With your 4x4 vehicles roaming the desert in convoy, allow your local guide to point out some of the region’s most spectacular lagoons and vistas. This day includes views of the famous Ollague Volcano which sits on the border of Chile and Bolivia at a height of 5,868 metres above sea level. We’ll stop at several lakes, including Laguna Hedionda which hosts a large population of bright pink flamingos!
Train Cemetery. A visit to the Train Cemetery allows us to wander amongst these huge, abandoned carriages - some of which were imported from as far away as Britain, over 100 years ago.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
La Magia de San Juan
DAY 20: Bolivian Desert - Uyuni
![Bolivian Desert - Uyuni]()
Get ready for a day of exploration along the Uyuni Salt flats - one of the country's major attractions. Supported by local guide and a fleet of 4x4 vehicles, we'll travel to the epicentre of the salt flats and back. Along the way we'll encounter Salar de Uyuni (one of the largest salt flats in the world) and the village of Colchani. Not to mention Incahuasi Island, the famous cacti oasis. Head back to the hotel in Uyuni afterward to spend the evening at your leisure.
Experiences
Uyuni Salt Flats Day Trip. Join a local guide to explore the Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) with the assistance of a 4x4 vehicle. Welcome to the world’s largest salt flats and one of Bolivia’s most famous tourist attractions. When it rains, the flats become a lake and creates the world’s largest mirror - bright, endless and spellbinding. Take time to wander about on the flats and take the most amazing photos. On the way there and back you can see magical landscapes made up of colourful lakes, local fauna, flora, mountains and rock formations.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Girasoles
DAY 21: Uyuni - flight to La Paz
![Uyuni - flight to La Paz]()
Leaving Uyuni behind, we make our way to La Paz via a short flight north. The bustling city in a deep canyon at the foot of the Andes is beautiful beyond measure. Old meets new in the architecture and there is plenty to discover. Drop off your bags upon arrival and set out to explore on your own. Meet up with the group for an included dinner this evening.
Experiences
Landing at La Paz airport. Land at La Paz Airport. Experience a breathtaking flight! Fly from the world’s sixth-highest airport in Uyuni (3,954m) into the world's fifth-highest airport at La Paz (4,061m). Take in the scenery below as we pass over lakes and the Andes Mountains before touching down under the shadow of Mount Illimani, which stands high over La Paz at 6,438m
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hostal NairaDAY 22: La Paz City Tour
![La Paz City Tour]()
Head out on a guided city tour of La Paz that will introduce you to the city's most famous sights. Amble around beautiful squares like Plaza Murillo, and encounter the San Francisco Church. Other items on the lineup include the Witches’ Market, a ride on the La Paz cable car and more. Take more time to explore at your own pace after lunch. Alternatively, opt in on an outing to Tiwanaku, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Bolivia. Find your own dinner this evening or opt in on a final dinner with your tour leader and the rest of the group.
Experiences
La Paz City Tour: EJoin an expert local guide on a city tour of La Paz which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! See the top attractions and learn all about La Paz’s history. Wander through the Mercado de Bruja (Witches Market) and discover the colourful powders and natural herbs on sale. See Plaza Murillo, the 16th century San Francisco Church and more! Ride the cable car above the city to reach Teleferico Viewpoint. Take in the sweeping views of the city and surrounds from here.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hostal Naira
Optional Excursions
- Tiwanaku Archaeological Site i US$55
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 23: La Paz - End of Tour
![La Paz - End of Tour]()
After a final night in La Paz, we say adiós after breakfast this morning. You have the option to take a transfer to the nearest airport, or talk to your tour leader about more excursions to take in and around La Paz. Have a safe journey onward!
Experiences
If you would like to extend your stay in La Paz after the tour, please contact us to confirm the hotel. By this point you will have enjoyed 23 incredible days exploring the very best of Brazil, Argentina, Chile & Bolivia. A true delight!